NAK-D

[syscokid]

Didn't do a whole lot today. Soldered whatever connections I could, before I need to populate the circuit board.

 

[syscokid]

Many a studio track layed with a 5 watt champ that's for sure.

"Layla" was recorded on a 3 watt Fender "Tweed" Champ.
The solo on "Rocky Mountain Way" was a Tweed Champ.

 

[Hackmaster]

Looks like a great kit. I've been itching for another kit amp.
I'll look into Allen kits tonight for sure.

 

[Hackmaster]

I'm finding they're site quite informative and entertaining...

Fully Equiped Chihuahua

 

[syscokid]

Today's Progress Report...

Loaded up the circuit board:




Starting to look cozy in there:


And finally, the wiring for the heaters. I suck at heater-wiring. But this one was one of my better attempts:


Hopefully tomorrow, it will be voltage testing, installing tubes, and full ignition...

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Looking good (and quite confusing).

To make it yourself then play through it is gonna be great; good stuff.

 

[JohnnyGoo]

Nice work.

 

[jtcnj]

Looking good man!
You make fast progress.
Nice tight twists on those heaters too.

that is also a tough part for me; and getting in and around the 9-pin sockets.

I havent played my 5f1/f2a Champ lately, I believe I will.
Needs some power cap conditioning anyway so.....

 

[jtcnj]

Thanks syscokid I just finished playing the tweed champ for about 2 hours cranked.
I have a 3 way voicing switch, one position is cathode resistor only at v1a and an NFB Pot.
Rolling the NFB up in that position and running the tone at around 3:00 tames the fartiness and leaves the mid heavy tweediness.
by it self or pushing the pre amp with clean boost really kicks ass, but it is a little muddy with humbuckers.
I switched to a P90 guitar and holy cow I found tonez in there I had not found before, still cleaning up a bit with guitar volume pot nicely while stumbling through Thin LIzzy The boys are back in town I just started learning, and some full throttle Mississippi Queen.

I have that peaceful easy endorphin rush feeling like after getting laid.

 

[syscokid]

Son of a Bitch... it works! This project has turned out pretty well. I've only plugged in my Strat at this point, and this little sucker is just oozing with bouteekee sweet tones. The reverb is phenomenal. Cleans are tight and punchy with a lot of sustain. Drive up the amp all the way, and it still holds pretty firm. With the amp cranked, I can still get super sweet cleans at a decent volume by backing down on the guitars volume control. This is the design of a nice and simple tube amp. The RAW control really does change the scoopy nature of a blackface style to a fat mid, raging tweed. The supplied Copperhead speaker is an excellent choice made by Allen Amps. The best compliment I can give this amp, is that it's very inspiring to play a guitar thru it... :dood:

More pics...

Using my trusty tube tester for dummies:


The supplied preamp tubes are two Electro-Harmonix for the 12AX7's, and a JJ ECC81 (12AT7). Tungsol for the 6V6:


Lights are a good thing:


Global Warming:


A couple more beauty shots:

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Son of a Bitch... it works!

Great work!

Some really nice and interesting pics too.

 

[RVA]

You sid a very professional job. That is one beautiful amp! Congrats!

Sound clip please!

 

[JohnnyGoo]

Thats nice work.

 

[ChasFred]

I see some really nice craftsmanship in your assembly. I have been in the repair field since '73. Alot of the devices I have worked on in the past coming from major manufacturing facilities did not look as good as what you have shown us. :dood:

 

[jtcnj]

Great job!

 

[syscokid]

The kits from Allen Amps are top notch. Every part is quality and precision. All kits come with excellent illustrations, and some kits come with very detailed instructions and explanations, with his commitment to prompt email support. Whomever builds and finishes Allen Amps cabinets, does an excellent job, too.

Soldering skills, some basic tools, and the ability to pay attention to detail is all you need. And time and money, of course.

The Chihuahua has been welcomed into the family:

 

[Mr Grumpy]

^ that strat looks nice.

You do have some fantastic gear.

 

[CabanaBoy]

Cood deal, looks nice. That a great looking covering on the amp. I still use an old school tube tester, how ya liking that Orange tube tester? I almost got one a while back.

 

[syscokid]

^ that strat looks nice.

You do have some fantastic gear.

Thanks... I think so, too. That's the Strat that has the Warmoth 10" to 16" compound radius neck. A few other cool features but, basically a killer playing and sounding guitar.

Cood deal, looks nice. That a great looking covering on the amp. I still use an old school tube tester, how ya liking that Orange tube tester? I almost got one a while back.

It's very simple to use and determine basic results. As for accuracy, you can't compare it to an old school tube tester. It's like it has its own standards! But it will be consistent in displaying whether you have a good tube, a worn tube, or a tube that should not be used. The tester can also display a preamp tubes triode balance, or "matching value". Expensive @ $500.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

hat's the Strat that has the Warmoth 10" to 16" compound radius neck.